Thump Capable of Ramornie Handicap Success

Trainer Kris Lees has been thrilled with the condition of classy mare Thump since her return to racing this time and is confident she is a live chance for success in this afternoon’s Listed Ramornie Handicap (1200m) at Grafton.

Thump has been confirmed to contest this afternoon’s Ramornie Handicap in Grafton. Photo: Steve Hart

Thump was retired into a career as a broodmare following her short 2014 Spring Carnival campaign, but returned to training at Lees’ Broadmeadow stables after failing to fall into foal and returned for an autumn campaign.

Having failed to make anything of an impact when tenth in the Listed Ortensia Stakes (1100m) on May 16th, the Red Ransom mare ran on for a credible fourth in the Listed Hinkler Handicap (1200m) on June 6th and should relish the conditions of the 2015 Ramornie Handicap.

“She goes well fresh and loves the 1200m,” Lees told The Daily Telegraph.

“Three of her four wins have bene over the trip. The 32 days in between runs won’t be an issue for her and she showed last start that she’s racing well.

“They just went so hard in front that she was simply outpaced. She was chasing the whole way and never really got into a rhythm,” he added of her Ortensia Stakes run.

“But last start she was much better and I genuinely think she could’ve finishes third in the Tiara, so you’d think she’s right in this.”

Having drawn the ideal barrier 3, Lees is hopeful Thump will be able to find ideal running room early in the 2015 Ramornie Handicap and revealed the race may indeed be her last.

“Hopefully the inside is fine and she can make good use of the gate, but it’s hard to get a reading on any track at the moment,” Lees said.

“There’s a chance she could be retired after this one or we might look at giving her one run early in the spring before she goes to stud.

“She’s performed consistently at a good level her whole career. I’d like to think probably a notch or so above what she faces here.”

Posting four wins and a further three minors through 21 career starts so far, Thump returned this year for success in the Group 3 Triscay Stakes (1200m) on February 14th; progressing to sixth in the Group 3 Liverpool CityCup (1300m) before failing to make an impact in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m).

Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering the best 2015 Ramornie Handicap odds, for which Thump can be taken at a quote of $7.

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